Making your home your own
We want you to feel comfortable and happy in your home, and encourage you to make it your own. Here’s a guide to what you can do and when you need to check with us first.
Things you can do without permission
You’re welcome to carry out everyday painting and decorating. Add your personal touch with whatever colours, wallpaper, carpeting or flooring you like. Small updates that don’t affect the structure of the home are usually fine, so go ahead and make your place cosy and inviting.
What needs our permission
For alterations or improvements beyond basic decorating such as installing new fittings, electrical or plumbing work or making structural changes, you’ll need our written permission.
To get approval, just send us:
-
A description of the work you want to do
-
Details of who will be carrying out the work.
We’ll usually approve requests as long as the changes:
-
Don’t compromise the safety of the property
-
Don’t reduce its value
-
Won’t increase future maintenance costs.
Adaptations for people with disabilities or health conditions
If you or someone in your household has a disability, mobility or serious health condition, we may be able to help you with home adaptations. These could include ramps, grab rails, an accessible bathroom or other adjustments to make daily life easier. Please see our aids and adaptations page here.
Tips for a smooth process
-
Always check with us before starting major work, to avoid delays or complications
-
Keep all receipts and documents for any improvements
-
Let us know if your changes could affect insurance or safety requirements.